Commencement week at Seminary of the Southwest was filled with joyful celebrations, meaningful worship, and beloved traditions as the community gathered to honor the Class of 2026. On May 20, Southwest conferred degrees on 35 graduates during its commencement ceremony at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas. Degrees were awarded across the seminary’s programs, including the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction, and the Diploma in Anglican Studies.
The seminary also awarded honorary doctorates to four distinguished leaders: the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church; the Rt. Rev. Austin Rios ’03, Bishop of California; Robert Clarke Heidrick Jr.; and the Hon. Lora J. Livingston, both former members of the Board of Trustees from 2016–2025. Bishop Rowe delivered the commencement sermon, encouraging graduates to remain grounded in God’s peace and hope as they enter ministries that will undoubtedly bring both challenge and transformation. View Bishop Rowe’s commencement sermon here.
“It was a tremendous honor and joy to have our Presiding Bishop with us at this year’s commencement service at which he offered the commencement address as well as received an honorary doctorate from Southwest,” shared interim dean and president, the Rt. Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, interim dean and president. “The Presiding Bishop’s words touched hearts — he was honest, encouraging and spoke to them about being peacemakers in a world that needs peace. What a powerful message in this time in our world.”
Read the written citations linked below for each of the honorary degree recipients:
- The Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios
- The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe
- Robert Clarke Heidrick, Jr.
- The Hon. Lora J. Livingston
In the days leading up to commencement, students, families, faculty, and staff gathered for several celebrations recognizing the graduating class. On the evening before commencement, graduates attended their final Holy Eucharist as students in Christ Chapel. During the service, each graduate received a Seminary Cross from local jeweler James Avery, continuing a treasured Southwest tradition that has connected generations of alumni. Bruce preached at the service, offering words of encouragement and blessing as students prepared to transition into their next season of ministry and service, which is available to watch online here.
The seminary also hosted receptions honoring graduates from its various degree programs. Counseling and Spiritual Direction graduates celebrated together at a special dinner attended by loved ones, faculty, and staff. The evening included welcomes from academic dean, the Rev. Benjamin King, PhD, and Bruce, along with a blessing from Gena St. David, PhD and an official welcome into the Southwest Alumni Association from the Rev. Lecia Brannon, director of alumni relations.
The celebration was marked by gratitude, laughter, and heartfelt recognition of the graduates’ accomplishments. One especially memorable moment came when current counseling students presented graduates with personalized “superlative” certificates highlighting their unique gifts, strengths, and contributions to the community.
“The Southwest senior reception to honor the counseling and spiritual direction graduates was a touching reminder of the reason these programs exist: to foster transformation as students transition into new professionals equipped to meet the spiritual and mental health care needs of diverse communities,” said St. David. “Through laughter, tears, superlatives, and blessings, we toasted our 2026 graduates and their courage in saying ‘yes’ to these meaningful vocations.”
Graduates from the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, and Diploma in Anglican Studies programs were honored at a separate luncheon later in the week. Along with their formal induction into the Southwest Alumni Association, graduates participated in a lively Q&A conversation with Bruce and the Rev. Alyssa Stebbing ’22, Rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Austin, Texas. The discussion covered everything from navigating ministry and family life to maintaining balance and finding joy in vocation, offering graduates practical wisdom and encouragement as they prepare for what comes next.
The week concluded with Last Gathering, one of Southwest’s most cherished traditions. Through videos, skits, tributes, and plenty of humor, the community offered heartfelt farewells to the graduating class. Spouses and partners were also recognized for the love and support they provided throughout the seminary journey, a reminder that formation and ministry are rarely undertaken alone.
Together, the celebrations of commencement week reflected the spirit of Seminary of the Southwest: rooted in worship, strengthened by community, and committed to preparing leaders for faithful service in the church and the world.
A photo gallery of the Class of 2026 commencement exercises and events can be viewed here.